were the particular circumstances which distinguished his early years. But when a young man, he was led by divine Providence to choose a place of residence in the city of London. He had not been there long, before he heard many remarks on the character and preaching of the late Rev. W. Romaine. Actuated by motives of curiosity, be thought he would for once, at least, hear this singular person preach. Nor was his attendance on the "Rector of St. Ann's church" in vain. He who went without any concern for the salvation of his soul, returned home to pray. He had heard a man, who described to him his true character, and the nature and end of his pursuits. He now saw and felt that he was a sinner; and was apprehensive that he must endure for ever the righteous displeasure of God. In this state of mind he continued some time, when it pleased the Lord to make known to him the way of salvation by Jesus Christ. While under deep convictions of in, he was enabled one evening, when alone, to wrestle with God in prayer, and he had such a manifestation of pardoning mercy to his soul as filled him with joy and peace. The person and work of Christ appeared to him so glorious, that all his doubts and fears vanished, and he was assisted to rely on him alone for salvation.

Although he felt a strong attachment to Mr. Romaine as his spiritual father, and often heard him preach with delight, yet he could not, for conscientious reasons, join the established church. As he considered it his duty, soon after he obtained a hope in Christ, to make a public profession, he was baptized by Dr. Rippon, and became united with the people of his charge. The ministry of that good man was greatly blessed to his soul, and he cherished for him a peculiar affection to the day of his death.

When a few years had elapsed, Mr. Withington removed to Manchester. While there, he joined the church of Christ, under the pastoral care of Rev. John Sharp. During his connexion with this body of Christians, he was chosen to the office of deacon. And when he came to the United States, they gave him the most honourable character, not only as a Christian, but as an officer who had discharged the duties of his station to general satisfaction.

For a succession of years our deceased friend pursued a uniform course of conduct highly creditable to his Christian profession. His religion was not a periodical thing, now blazing forth, and now quenched in darkness. It was habitual. His path was as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. No one acquainted with him, could have mean views of Christianity, by judging of its nature from the influence it had on his temper and actions. He manifested a nobleness of soul, associated with such unbending integrity and decision of character, that it was difficult to be in his society, without yielding to him the most sincere affection and respect.

As a man of business, he left an example in many respects, worthy of being imitated by the followers of Christ. While he pursued his secular concerns with diligence, he did not allow them to interfere with the duties of family religion. As constantly as the morning and evening returned, the holy Scriptures were read, and petitions and thanksgivings were offered to Him, who is the source of all our do

mestic enjoyments. Nor was it sufficient in his estimation, that services of devotion should be observed in the family. He had one of the largest brewing establishments in the country; and he was anxious to have men of piety and integrity in his employ. He adopted the resolution of the Psalmist, "Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me." Hence, several of the men engaged in his service, were truly pious; and these with others were regularly called to morning worship in the counting room. One who dwelt a considerable time in the hospitable mansion of the deceased, recollects with pleasure those morning devotions, when at the sound of the horn, the draymen, maltster, and persons of different occupations belonging to the establishment assembled for worship. After joining in a song of praise, each professing Christian in rotation offered up supplications to the God of grace. These religious exercises had a happy effect. They produced watchfulness and circumspection in the conduct of Christians; and operated as a moral restraint on those who were not the subjects of vital piety. Mr. Withington was an example of strict punctuality in all his engagements; and he was equally remarkable for the dignified stand which he maintained as a partaker of the heavenly calling. Neither considerations of worldly interest, nor a fear of being accused of singularity, ever induced him to hide his Christian principles. He did not act like a worldly man, when in the society of worldly men. His deportment was calculated to convince them, that he was unwavering in his religious character. No man, whatever was his rank in life, could have indulged in profane levity or impiety in his presence, without being rebuked. In this respect he manifested an intrepidity of spirit that was not to be overawed or subdued.

As a friend, he was tenderly alive to all the charities of life. He knew how to weep with those that wept; and to rejoice with those that rejoiced. Though he displayed great liberality in the bequests which he made on his death bed, yet it is pleasant to know, that this was only the last of a long continued series of charitable deeds. The disposition which he made of his property, in the near prospect of eternity, was not owing to the upbraiding of a conscience that told him he had obtained it by unrighteous means; nor was it intended as an atonement for a life marked by selfishness and covetousness. The final act of his life exactly corresponded with his previous habits. He who remembered the poor and unfortunate in his last will and testament, made his house an asylum to more than one child of sorrow, who found there those kind attentions, which alleviated their sufferings, and caused them to forget the adverse scenes through which they had passed. He was a lover of good men. His house and heart were always open to the ministers and friends of Christ. The smile of gratulation was sure to light up his countenance, when they enlarged his family circle; and his happiness increased if he had an opportunity of rendering them any important service,

His philanthropy was not of the ordinary kind. The Institutions to which he bequeathed so large a portion of his property, had re

ceived his cordial and steady support for years. He not only assisted in the organization of the first Bible Society that was established in New-York, but in the formation of several other important institutions. He was blessed with property, and he had a desire to honour the Lord with his substance. Hence, he was always ready to every good word and work.

Before any Society had been formed for the education of pious men for the ministry, he contributed with great liberality to the support of one young person while pursuing theological studies.

He was truly valuable as a member and officer of the church with which he was connected. He was firmly established in his belief of the doctrines of the Gospel; regular in his attendance on the ministry of his own pastor; and contributed much by his counsel and example to the peace and prosperity of the church.

It seemed desirable, that one who possessed such ample means, and such a disposition to be useful to the church and the world, should have remained longer on earth. But the Lord seeth not as man seeth. He had filled up the measure of his days; he had finished the work which Providence had assigned to him, and the time of his departure had come.

Having hastily traced his course through the scenes of active life. we will now enter the chamber of his last sickness, and see how a good man can die. In a communication which has been received from his respected friend and pastor, Rev. J. Williams, it is stated, "that as he had lived upon Christ, so he died." In his sickness, which was a spontaneous mortification, he felt the truth of God's promises supporting his soul in the prospect of death and eternity. On one occasion he remarked to me, "Christ is my rock, in him I trust, and I feel peace and calmness of soul." Being asked at another time, Are you happy? Yes," said he, "the Lord Jesus is my life, and he has said, because I live, ye shall live also. He is God over all, blessed for evermore, in whom I trust for salvation. And his life is the source of life to all that trust in him, and they cannot perish." He often expressed, while labouring under the most acute sufferings, his firm hope of salvation by Jesus Christ. He remarked," in the Lord alone do I trust; none can help me but him." In answer to the question, Are you willing to die at this time? he replied, "yes, to depart and to be with Christ is far better than to stay here. I shall only go a little while before you; and hope soon to see you follow, and welcome you home, where you will be for ever with the Lord." The following letter, which is addressed to one of the Editors, will, we trust, be interesting to our readers.

DEAR SIR,-In compliance with your request, it gives me pleasure to inform you of a few of the expressions which were uttered by our deceased friend, Mr. Withington, during his last sickness. Shortly after his toe was amputated; and before he or any of his friends judged his case dangerous, this excellent man was called upon by two of his brethren. A short time was spent in expatiating on the goodness of God. At this interview he spake with unusual assurance of his interest in the Lord Jesus Christ, and that he finally should reign with

him in glory. He assured his friends, that the Lord would never leave any of his people to perish; that salvation was all of grace; that he had an humble hope he was a subject of this grace; and a firm persuasion that all things work together for good to them that love God, and are the called according to his purpose. The manner in which he expressed himself, and the filial confidence which he seemed to possess, made such an impression on his visiting friends, that when they left the room they involuntarily remarked, they had never seen him in so happy a state of mind, and that he was quite elevated above the present world. After his physicians had expressed in confidence to a few of his friends, that the probability of his recovery was small, Mr. Withington said to a member of the same church in the most solemn manner, You are a brother, and I now ask you to tell me in truth, and plainly, what is the opinion of the doctors as to my case. Do not be afraid to tell me all. For if it be the Lord's will, I had rather go now." This solemn inquiry produced a candid reply; and he understood, for the first time, that his physicians did not expect him to recover. He then observed, without the least appearance of surprise or agitation, that if it were the Lord's will, he had rather go home than stay here. He appeared peculiarly composed and thoughtful. In about fifteen minutes after this conversation another friend entered his chamber, and they were alone. When he spoke to him, he seemed to give no attention, but was smiling as though he was much pleased with his own thoughts. Mr. Withington soon perceived that his friend was looking attentively at him, and judging that some explanation was necessary, he said, "I was just smiling to think, how astonished my friend John Cauldwell would be, to see me coming so soon after him." O how happy must have been their meeting. Yours respectfully, &c.

As the deceased left no children behind him, after providing for his widow and relatives, he made among others, the following bequests:

American Bible Society,

10,000

1,200

Columbian College, recently established at Washington,

Baptist Theological Seminary, New-York,
His Library to the College at Washington.

Having thus made arrangements for the distribution of his property, he waited the summons for his release; and on the third of April, 1822, he fell asleep in Jesus. A funeral discourse was delivered by his Pastor, from Phil. i. 23. For I am in a strait, betwixt two, haying a desire to depart, and to be with Christ, which is far better.

We feel unwilling to take leave of our readers without reminding them, that in this "Memoir," they have another practical illustration of the efficacy of evangelical doctrine. Here is a brief history of a man whose moral conduct was for many years irreproachable; who filled many of the relations of life in an amiable and dignified manner; who with love to God united love to his neighbour; who denying ungodliness, and worldly lusts, lived soberly, righteously, and

godly, in this present world. Now it is important we should inquire. where and how, was this character formed? A reply is immediately at hand. It was not formed in the school which rejects the divinity and atonement of Christ, and teaches men to build their hopes of salvation on the works of the law. Nor was he ever so situated as to be indebted to the example of those who had embraced these sentiments. All that was excellent and lovely in his character was owing to the direct influence of the doctrines of the Gospel on his mind. And that we may not be misunderstood, we mean those doctrines which teach the depravity of the human heart, the necessity of regeneration by the Holy Spirit, and justification alone by the blood of Christ. It was under the ministry of a person who was determined to know nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified, that he was first brought to feel the guilt and danger of his condition, and effectually reclaimed from the error of his way. It was a view of the atonement which Christ had made for sin, that filled him with solid peace and joy. And it was love and gratitude to this Saviour which excited him to a course of holy obedience and expansive charity. We hear him at the close of an active and useful life, saying, "Christ is my rock; the Lord Jesus is my life; he is God over all, blessed for evermore, in whom I trust." The love of Christ was not only the foundation of his hope, but the source of every thing that was pure and kind in his conduct.

We dwell on this fact with more earnestness, because great pains are taken to make it appear, that a belief in the doctrine of salvation by Jesus Christ, is inimical to holiness. The religious sentiments which the deceased embraced, and was ever ready to avow, are not only represented as gloomy and horrible, but as having a direct tendency to destroy every tender and generous emotion of the heart, and to transform their adherents into misanthropists. And yet pernicious as these sentiments are said to be, here is a person in whom they existed as principles of action for more than 30 years, who was an eminent example of piety, integrity and benevolence. Nor is the case of the deceased by any means a solitary instance of the elevation which is given to the character of man, by doctrines which are thus spoken of with malignity and ridicule. We are encompassed with a cloud of witnesses, who show by their lives that these doctrines are holy in their nature, and benevolent in their influence. Mark the movements of John Howard; follow him to the prisons and dungeons which he visited; hear his remonstrances with men in power, in behalf of the most wretched of sufferers; witness the privations he voluntarily endured in his unparalleled career of charity, and then ask, what were the settled religious views of this prince of philanthropists? To this inquiry he has furnished the most satisfactory answer. In his journal he speaks of himself as a worm, "whom God has raised to the hope of glory, which ere long will be revealed to them who are washed and sanctified by faith in the blood of the divine Redeemer." In another part of his journal he writes, "This night my trembling soul longs to take its flight, to see and know the wonders of redeeming love-sin and sorrow fled away-God my Redeemer all in all.”